adminPetros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
CAPS United legend Stanford “Stix’’ Mtizwa has challenged Makepekepe to put behind the turmoil that rocked their camp last week and play “for their reputation’’ when they face FC Platinum in a Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final clash at Mandava this afternoon.Life returned to normal at CAPS United on Thursday afternoon, ending nearly two weeks of turbulence caused by the club’s failure to pay outstanding players’ bonuses and salaries.
The players had also threatened to boycott their Chibuku Cup assignment if their dues were not paid on time, with the turmoil also torching a painful soul-searching exercise in the corridors of the Premiership giants.
But as coach Taurai Mangwiro and his men made the road trip to Zvishavane yesterday ahead of today’s showdown with FC Platinum — their second in as many weeks — legendary former Zimbabwe international Mtizwa spoke about the significance of today’s match to the Green Machine family.
CAPS United were humiliated 6-0 by FC Platinum in a ZNA Commander’s Charity Shield final at Mandava last Saturday as unrest over the unpaid salaries took its toll on the club and three players saw red for indiscipline.
Just days before that encounter CAPS United had almost failed to fulfil their league fixture against Bantu Rovers at Hartsfield in Bulawayo because of similar financial problems.
But to their credit, the CAPS United management ran around and ensured the players were finally paid, paving the way for their departure for the Chibuku Cup clash with FC Platinum which the legendary Mtizwa said had now assumed an even bigger meaning to the Makepekepe cause as it offered the team a chance to redeem themselves.
CAPS United’s pride was severely battered by the embarrassing defeat they suffered at FC Platinum, the worst in their history and Mangwiro and his men know that as they head into battle today, the Chibuku Cup provides them with an immediate opportunity to bag a major piece of silverware.
“CAPS United have always had the Cup Kings tag because the club reserved the best for the cup games. It is a tall order to maintain that Cup Kings tag but it can be done.
“As they go to play FC Platinum again, I think they should draw inspiration from the saying that ‘once beaten twice shy’.
“They have to put aside everything that was happening in the last week or so whether the problems are still there or over and win that match at Mandava for the sake of their reputation and their fans. They owe it to their supporters and everyone who believes in them to win this match and they have to do whatever it takes to win the game. I am hoping to travel and watch that game in Zvishavane as well,’’ Mtizwa said.
Stix, who featured in one of the best Chibuku Cup finals — a 3-3 thriller between CAPS United and Black Rhinos at Rufaro in 1987 – also gave a word of advice to the Makepekepe players as well as all the teams taking part in this weekend’s quarter-final encounters.
“Whether it is CAPS United, Black Rhinos, How Mine or Highlanders players, these youngsters need to realise that cup games are different from the league matches.
“Stars are usually born in knock-out tournaments and my message to the current players is that they should always keep it in their minds that cup games attract a lot of fans and it is a platform for one to shine and one has to make the most of it’’.
Mtizwa, one of the star players of a fine generation of players in the golden era of the 1980s, also revealed that the revival of the Chibuku Cup by Delta Beverages after a 25-year absence, had brought nostalgic feelings in him.
After drawing 3-3 in the final CAPS United and Rhinos had to meet again in a replay and this time Mtizwa struck a brace past Brenna Msiska that ensured it was the soldiers who claimed the silverware.
That match, as Mtizwa fondly recalls, evoked a lot of emotions for him as he struggled to celebrate the goals that had punished a CAPS United side he had also served with distinction before being signed by Rhinos in 1984, albeit after a bitter seven-month wrangle between the two clubs.
But after reviewing what the Green Machine have gone through in a turbulent period for CAPS United president Twine Phiri and his management, Mtizwa reckons that winning the Chibuku Cup would atone for the disappointment that their fans have endured especially having to live in the shadows of their bitter rivals Dynamos who have been scoring successes under Callisto Pasuwa.
Mtizwa is also hopeful that the battle at Mandava and all the other Chibuku Cup quarter-finals ties would serve fans with exciting football.
“Fans want to watch thrillers and even after the 3-3 draw, the replay between Rhinos and CAPS United was also exciting. Of course, I scored both goals but we had great players like Hamid Dhana, Stanley Ndunduma and Simon Mugabe contributing to that win.
“CAPS United had Joel Shambo, who had been my teammate at CAPS and who was also a friend and we really made it enjoyable.
“I think the current players can do that and attract fans back to the stadiums again,’’ Mtizwa said.
In other quarter-final matches Bulawayo giants Highlanders face city neighbours How Mine at Hartsfield, Harare City clash against Chiredzi in an earlier match at Mandava and Rhinos tackle Triangle at Ascot.
Online Reporter